Exclusive Interview with Nickelodeon’s Cree Cicchino

A paper maché volcano. A potato clock. An Alka-Seltzer rocket launcher. These are some of the most typical science projects you’ll ever come across. But in Nickelodeon’s hit series Game Shakers, one young girl creates the most addictive project yet.

The series centers on two best friends: Babe and Kenzie, played by Cree Cicchino and Madisyn Shipman, respectively. A Brooklyn native and a creative, witty game maker, Babe decides to take her science project digital, creating a new app for people to enjoy. The app, a game called Sky Whale, proves to be worth more than just an A in science. Together, Babe and Kenzie start a multi-million-dollar gaming company – lending its name as the series’ title – with rap superstar ‘Double G’ (Kel Mitchell) becoming the investor, and his son ‘Triple G’ who is hired as the game consultant.

We got Cree Cicchino on the phone to discuss the impact of her character, as well as the possibility of writing her own show in the future.

On ‘Game Shakers,’ you play a young girl who successfully creates her own business. What does it mean to you to be that kind of role model for other young girls watching the show?

I always find the term role model to be a little confusing. Most of the time I believe a “true” role model needs to be someone you know personally; that’s how you know the character of a person, not just the persona. That said, if I have inspired anyone through my character or my journey or my words, I am so humbled by that.

What can fans expect throughout season two?

Season 2 is full of new and fun things that fans can really look forward to. We’ve got some crazy stunts, some cool guest stars, a lot of new sets and different sides and backstory to each character that we’ve never seen before.

What has playing Babe taught you about yourself and people around you?

Playing Babe has really shown me how many people it takes to keep a show going and how each job, from crew to cast to producers is so important. It takes an extreme amount of hard work and dedication.

You’re working with Dan Schneider and Kel Mitchell, both Nickelodeon legends. What has that experience been like for you?

It’s honestly been such a new and crazy experience for me. When I got the show, I was new to acting and a huge fan of all of Dan’s shows so being able to work with him and a man as talented and legendary as Kel still has me pinching myself to this day.

What’s your favorite thing about the show, and your character?

My favorite thing about the show and my character is the portrayal of two girls not competing against one another, but working together and supporting each other. I think it’s a great message for young girls to see females as a team and not in a power struggle.

How/when did your passion for dancing come about?

My mom put me in dance when I was four years old, so I grew up with it. I guess it’s always been a part of my life, so I’ve always been passionate about it.

You’ve mentioned that you love writing in your downtime, what kind of stories do you write?

I write a variety of things depending on how much time I have or what mood I’m in. Some days I feel like writing a short fictional story while others I’m in the mood for poetry. It changes a lot and really depends.

Would you ever consider writing your own TV show or movie?

I haven’t planned on it, but don’t want to rule it out in the future. I love writing, and I love the craft so who knows what the future will bring.

Who are your acting/writing/dancing inspirations?

There are so many to choose from. Angelina Jolie, Meryl Streep, Kristin Wiig, Gina Rodriguez are just a few. As for dancing my biggest inspiration is probably Beyoncé.

Looking through your social media, it’s clear you’re very supportive of anti-bullying campaigns. What makes you so passionate about this cause?

I grew up in a household that taught open-mindedness and equality and that the character of a person is most important. Over the years, as my understanding of current issues expands, it’s become very disheartening to see the world so different than what I’ve been taught. Bullying is such a problem. Hatred is such a problem. So my most basic of morals make me so passionate about this cause.

You can follow Cree’s adventures on social media, and watch ‘Game Shakers’ on Nickelodeon.